Definition

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title
contains the fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents
and/or purpose of your research paper.
The title is without doubt the part of a paper that is
read the most, and it is usually read first. If the title is too
long it usually contains too many unnecessary words, e.g., "A Study to
Investigate the...." On the other hand, a title which is too short often uses
words which are too general. For example, "African Politics" could be the
title of a book, but it does not provide any information on the focus of a
research paper.

Structure and Writing Style

The following parameters can be used to help
you formulate a suitable research paper title:
1. The purpose of the research
2. The narrative tone of the paper [typically defined by the type of the
research]
3. The methods used

The initial aim of a title is to capture the reader’s attention and to draw his
or her attention to the research problem being investigated.

Create a Working Title

Typically, the final title you submit to your professor is created after
the research is complete so that the title accurately captures what
was done. The working title should be developed early in the research
process because it can help anchor the focus of the study in much the
same way the research problem does. Referring back to the working title
can help you reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the study if you
feel yourself drifting off on a tangent while writing.
The Final Title

Characteristics of an Effective Research titles Indicate accurately the

subject and scope of the study.
 Avoid using abbreviations.
 Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader
interest.
 Use current nomenclature from the field of study.
 Identify key variables, both dependent and independent.
 May reveal how the paper will be organized.
 Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major
hypothesis.
 Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words.
 Do not include "study of," "analysis of" or similar constructions.
 Titles are usually in the form of a phrase, but can also be in the form
of a question.
 Use correct grammar and capitalization. All nouns, pronouns, verbs,
adjectives, and adverbs that appear between the first and last words
of the title are also capitalized.
 In academic papers, rarely is a title followed by an exclamation mark.
However, a title or subtitle can be in the form of a question.

ACTIVITY:

Formulate a good research title from your selected topic. WRITE IN ¼

SHEET. Submit it to Danilyn